Kimi Eisele is the author of the critically acclaimed novel "The Lightest Object in the Universe," a post-apocalyptic tale celebrated for its hopeful portrayal of human resilience. Her work has appeared in prominent publications such as Longreads, Guernica, Orion, and High Country News, showcasing her versatility across fiction and nonfiction. In 2019, her debut novel garnered recognition as an Indies Introduce Summer Selection, a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers pick, and a Powell's Book recommendation, solidifying her place as a distinctive voice in contemporary literature.
Eisele holds a master’s degree in geography from the University of Arizona, where she founded "You Are Here: The Journal of Creative Geography" in 1998, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to storytelling. Beyond writing, she is a performing and visual artist whose work explores themes of ecology, community, and cultural identity, often focusing on the American Southwest. Her creative projects, funded by organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kresge Foundation, demonstrate her commitment to merging art with environmental and social advocacy. Based in Tucson, she continues to contribute to the cultural landscape through her role at the Southwest Folklife Alliance.